Tips for Removing Black Mold

Black mold removal is something that may be a bit misunderstood. There are many types of molds that have a black coloring.

If you have asthma or breathing problems, and kind or color of mold and mildew could cause problems with your health, so if there is a very large quantity of mold or you are unsure if it is a toxic form that could further damage your health, contact a professional.

If the quantity of the mold stain is small, there shouldn’t be any trouble in cleaning up the stain quickly and completely.

How to Remove Black Mold Stains

There are several types of black mold that can put off toxic gas if present in large enough quantities.

This type of potentially harmful molds usually only occurs on items that have been wet several times and that contain cellulose. This includes such things as gypsum board, cardboard, ceiling tiles, wood and insulation.

Mold that has permeated the walls, ceiling or floor of your home is a serious problem and you may want to consult a professional to come take a look around. There must be a leak or some other way that water and dampness is being allowed inside your home. The leak causing moisture or dampness in the area must be fixed completely in order to stop further growth of black mold.

If the black mold in your home is not out of control and you have found it before it has penetrated the surface, and any cause of standing water or dampness has been repaired, you can take care of it yourself.

If you have breathing problems, remember that the spores in mold can possibly cause additional health issues. It’s a good idea for everyone to cover their nose and and mouth with a face mask to avoid breathing the mold in.

If you are at all concerned about airborne particles contaminating your face, there are N95 rated masks that you can purchase at your local home improvement stores that can offer a bit more protection.

Allow Your Belongings to Dry Completely

If you have an item with mold on it that is not a large quantity and you will clean it yourself, you want to clean your belongings when they are completely dry. Wear your personal protection equipment (PPE) and take the item somewhere where there is good air circulation like outdoors in the sunlight if possible.

This way, you have a better chance of keeping mold spores out of and off of other areas in your home. When you do this, you will be able to clean your belongings without spreading the mold.

Mold on Carpets:

• Any item that is heavily molded, such as carpeting, throw rugs, etc. should be discarded rather than cleaned. You will never be able to clean the mold up thoroughly enough.
• Place these items into heavy duty plastic bags to throw away.

Mold in the Bathroom

• If the mold is on a shower or bathroom wall, cleaning is okay.
• Mix 1 cup of bleach with 1 quart of water. Place in a spray bottle.
• Spray the area that mold has grown.
• Scrub the area.
• Rinse completely to remove all traces of bleach.

Prevention is the Best Medicine

Like a disease, preventing mold from growing is the best way at treating it. There are many things that you can do to keep mold at bay. The first step is to make sure that mold has been cleaned thoroughly before you attempt to use preventative measures.

Once the area is clean, you can then use several things to help you to keep mold out.

Keep Problem Areas Dry

You should not allow water or humidity to linger for any amount of time. To help with this, you can purchase and run a dehumidifier in the room. This is a great way to remove water and humidity and ultimately protect your home from black mold.

Wipe Down Sinks, Tubs, and Shower Stalls after using Them

This will greatly reduce the instances of mold growth in these areas. Additionally, use soap scum removers to keep the soap scum (which the mold feeds off of) off the walls.

In the shower use a squeegee to wipe down walls and glass shower doors.

Waterproof the Basement

Many black mold problems happen in the basement, especially old basements as things are stored there, forgotten about and then possibly ruined by a flooded basement.

If you have water in your basement, you need to remove anything and everything that gets wet. Have your basement waterproofed for safety. This process will lock out the water for good.

Always check everything that has been wet or has been in a humid location for mold growth. Mold growth is likely to happen fast and it will likely leave anything that is porous damaged in the process.

But, remember, if you have mold on cellulose products, the best move you can make is to call on a professional for help in removing it from your home.